Cop asks for man's license and then shoots him as he reaches for it.

[Dexter]

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Justice/2014/0925/S.C.-cop-in-trouble-for-shooting-unarmed-man-Sir-why-was-I-shot-video

[truth_seeker]

from article:

"The Sept. 4 incident led to the Highway Patrol firing Mr. Groubert, who was charged Wednesday with armed aggravated assault, which could lead to a 20-year prison sentence, if he’s convicted."

[Dexter]

"if he’s convicted."

[NavyCanDo]

Probably the top reason I would not want to be a cop. A split second decision could mean the difference between saving your own life, or shooting a person wrongfully and facing the consequences. This officer made the wrong choice and at the very lease lost his job and may be sued, and at the most could be spending time in Prison where inmates wait to give him a welcome party.     

[evadR]

Geezus. First off, why was he out of the vehicle?

[GourmetDan]

But, a criminal posing a threat to society he is not.  So, punishment...definitely. Severe...no.

He's a definite threat to society.

The only reason the guy is alive is because the cop was a terrible shot.

Severe... yes.

[massadvj]

I don't envy the cops these days.  They are under a lot of pressure.  But this cop was definitely too trigger happy.  He told the guy to produce his registration.  Where did he expect it to be if not in the glove compartment, which would require diving into the truck to retrieve?  Also, I doubt the reaction would have been as swift and certain had the driver been white.  So, limited mercy.  I'd vote to convict  if I were on the jury, but I woudn't send the cop to jail.

[evadR]

I don't envy the cops these days.  They are under a lot of pressure.  But this cop was definitely too trigger happy.  He told the guy to produce his registration.  Where did he expect it to be if not in the glove compartment, which would require diving into the truck to retrieve?  Also, I doubt the reaction would have been as swift and certain had the driver been white.  So, limited mercy.  I'd vote to convict  if I were on the jury, but I woudn't send the cop to jail.

I'm not making excuses for the cop, he was too trigger happy, BUT, I think he asked for his license. I think he was expecting the guy to reach in his hip pocket and when he "bolted" for the door it shocked him.
Again, I ask, why did he allow him to get out of the car? That is never allowed.

[evadR]

.....oh, and boot him out of the force for his own good. He doesn't belong there.
Definitely no jail time.

[Oceander]

Some jail time is warranted.

[evadR]

We were taught to do the following when stopped by the police:
1..Stay in the car, don't even think about getting out.
2..Have your license and registration ready, preferably lying on the dash.
3..If at night, turn on an overhead light.
4..Put your hands on the wheel, 11 and 1 o'clock position
5..Don't be afraid to speak if you have something relevant but don't argue. It's pointless.
6..Yes sir and no sir wouldn't hurt (optional)

[NavyCanDo]

We were taught to do the following when stopped by the police:
1..Stay in the car, don't even think about getting out.
2..Have your license and registration ready, preferably lying on the dash.
3..If at night, turn on an overhead light.
4..Put your hands on the wheel, 11 and 1 o'clock position
5..Don't be afraid to speak if you have something relevant but don't argue. It's pointless.
6..Yes sir and no sir wouldn't hurt (optional)

And it works.   In my 38 years of driving I have been pulled over four times for moving violations. Nothing serious, but a ticket would have been warranted. 3 out of those 4 times ended with just a warning - by being polite, cooperative, admitting I made a mistake, and simply not looking like a bad guy.

[flowers]

bkmk